The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have awarded the Cathedral €171,000.00 under the Historic Structures Fund 2024.
Below is the excerpt from the application detailing the works that will be completed using the grant.
“The current chapter house which is the subject of this grant application was built in the 1280s as the Lady Chapel and is an often overlooked medieval building.
In the build-up to the celebration of the cathedral’s millennium in 2028, HSF funding would enable the cathedral to undertake larger scale conservation works than would otherwise be possible.
The proposed works will ensure the external envelope is capable of withstanding the elements, particularly in light of changing weather patterns.
It is proposed to undertake repointing works and stone repairs in particular locations. This will involve raking out defective pointing mortars and 8 repointing using lime-based mortars as well as the replacement of decayed
Caen stone on a like-for-like basis. In tandem, conservation of the leaded windows and iron ferramenta is also proposed to halt ongoing decay and to reverse poor quality repairs of the past.
As part of the works, it is proposed to run a training day for members of the staff, board and committees as well as representatives of other churches to demonstrate the approach being taken in conserving the stonework,
glass and ironwork. The proposed works will address ongoing moisture ingress problems which is resulting in staining and deterioration of internal stonework.
These works have been prioritized following the preparation of a comprehensive quinquennial inspection of the cathedral and chapter house. A detailed methodology has been provided in the Conservation Method Statement”.
The cathedral will match fund the amount awarded. Work began in May and should be completed in September.